By Jamie Martin
The Colombian government has officially closed its investigation into US milk powder imports, confirming that no additional duties will be applied. This ruling keeps zero tariffs in place and supports stable dairy trade between the two nations.
The investigation was launched in 2024 after claims were made that US milk powders received unfair subsidies and harmed Colombian dairy producers. After a detailed examination, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism ruled on December 30, 2025, that the case did not show evidence of harm or unfair trade.
“The U.S. dairy industry secured hard-won access to the Colombian market more than a decade ago, and as of this year tariffs have now fully phased out,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “Attempts to restrict U.S. access through bogus claims and misused trade tools set a dangerous precedent not only for dairy exports but for all U.S. trade. We commend the U.S. government and our members for working with us to coordinate a strong, credible defense and to send a clear message that efforts to evade trade agreement commitments will not be tolerated.”
“U.S. dairy producers and processors expect our trading partners to honor their market access commitments,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “USDEC thanks the U.S. government in Washington and Bogota, as well as our members, for their support in presenting overwhelming evidence to rebut Colombia’s politically driven investigation. We welcome Colombia’s decision to abandon the case and maintain zero-tariff access for U.S. dairy exports in this important market.”
US dairy organizations worked closely with government officials and industry partners to provide clear and accurate information. Their findings demonstrated that the investigation relied on incorrect calculations and could not prove that US dairy products negatively affected Colombia’s domestic dairy sector.
Preliminary countervailing duties of 4.86 percent were briefly placed on US milk powder imports. These temporary charges were allowed to expire in January 2025 and were not extended due to continued dialogue and verified data presented by industry leaders.
This decision is important for the US dairy industry because Colombia is a growing export destination. US dairy exports to Colombia exceeded 128 million dollars in 2024, making it a key market for American farmers and processors.
Tariffs on US dairy products were fully removed at the start of 2026 under the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. This agreement supports open markets, fair competition, and better pricing opportunities for both producers and consumers.
By ending the investigation, Colombia has confirmed its commitment to fair trade and international cooperation. The ruling protects existing trade relationships and encourages long-term confidence in global dairy markets.
This outcome also highlights the value of cooperation between governments and industry organizations in maintaining transparent and balanced trade systems. It ensures that US dairy producers can continue serving international markets while supporting sustainable growth in the agricultural economy.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-peopleimages
Categories: National